Time Travelling Through London

In mid-October, I traveled with my family to London, England, to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday. Armed with a newfangled worldliness and the benefit of hindsight, it was thrilling to explore the vibrant metropolis through grown-up eyes, especially after having visited the city briefly over 20 years ago on a high school rugby trip. The transformation from youthful naivety to a more discerning perspective made the experience all the more enriching, allowing me to appreciate the rich tapestry of London in ways I hadn't before.

With that said, for centuries humans have dreamed about traveling through time, reliving great moments, famous discoveries, or monumental shifts in culture. Whether it was exploring the Churchill War Rooms, immersing ourselves in the vibrant theatre and art galleries, or experiencing the historic grandeur of Wimbledon, our trip allowed my family and me to transcend the constructs of time, remain present, and connect deeply with the past. Interwoven with echoes of yesteryear, the following chronology captures some of the unique and noteworthy moments of our week in London.

1893

The American Bar, the longest-serving cocktail bar in London, opened its doors inside the iconic Savoy Hotel in 1893. Over the decades, it has been a favoured haunt for notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. Among its legendary offerings is the “Moonwalk Cocktail,” a special creation from 1969, which holds the distinction of being the first drink Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin enjoyed upon their return from the Apollo 11 mission. Legend has it that the head bartender, eager to commemorate the historic event, sent a flask to NASA, forever linking the bar to space history. Although I hadn’t planned to visit until later in the week, fate led me to the American Bar while wandering back from an afternoon excursion. There, I chose the classic “Hanky Panky,” a gin-based variation of a sweet martini or Martinez. This cocktail was crafted at the dawn of the 20th century by the talented Ada “Coley” Coleman, who, upon being challenged by an English actor-manager to create a drink with a bit of a kick, produced a concoction so impressive that the actor exclaimed, “that is the real hanky-panky!” and thus the cocktail was born.

1974

In the wake of Richard Nixon's resignation amid the Watergate scandal, 1974 saw a whirlwind of transformative events. West Germany's triumph in hosting and capturing the FIFA World Cup provided the nation with the sport's highest prize. The disco craze, meanwhile, dominated both the music charts and popular culture, casting a glittering spell over the decade. The Concorde made history with its inaugural transatlantic flight, signaling a new era in supersonic air travel. The year also witnessed the colossal showdown between heavyweight boxing champions George Foreman and Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire. Dubbed the “Rumble in the Jungle” by Ali, the fight was made possible when President Mobutu invested $10 million of his country’s very scarce, hard-earned currency, to promote Zaire on the global stage. A huge Ali fan, I was thrilled to learn about the Rumble in the Jungle Rematch—a reimagined, immersive experience at London’s Dock X. The timing seemed almost fateful, as the Rematch closely coincided with the anniversary of the actual fight, which had been rescheduled to October 30 after Foreman was accidentally cut over his eye in training. While being there live would have been incredible, this event offered the next best thing. The match was meticulously recreated, and the accompanying star-studded music and cultural festival, celebrating Black excellence with legends like James Brown, Celia Cruz, and, "Mama Africa," Miriam Makeba, created a sensory feast. Fans were invited to explore, watch, cheer, sing, smell, taste, and dance. For one night, I had the rare opportunity to immerse myself in a moment that remains forever etched in history.

2023

The Berkeley, which began as a coffee house 300 years ago, hosted my mom’s birthday high tea in its elegant Collins Room. Known for its quintessential British experience, the venue offered a delightful array of contemporary sandwiches, champagne, tea, and hot chocolate. The highlight was the Prêt-à-Portea, a stylish Couture Cakewalk inspired by top fashion houses like Versace and Alexander McQueen. Now in its 35th season, this tea service, which first launched in 2005, has showcased 110 designers. For Autumn/Winter 2023, The Berkeley’s collection featured exceptional cakes, including my favourite, a Prada handbag-shaped cinnamon blondie, glazed with with white icing, and sandwiched with Ivoire chocolate. From start-to-finish, the impeccable service, exquisite technique, and vibrant presentation made for an unforgettable celebration of my mom’s Platinum Jubilee.

Returning to Toronto, the city feels almost quaint in comparison to the grand scale of London. Globalization has indeed compressed our world, making distant places seem just a heartbeat away. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities to travel and weave experiences with those I cherish. As I ponder the adventures yet to come, I find myself eagerly anticipating what new horizons and shared moments lie ahead.